Arnold Palmer taken to hospital for blood pressure

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Arnold Palmer was taken to the hospital Sunday afternoon as a precaution because his blood pressure was said to be too high.

Palmer, 82, wasn't on the 18th green Sunday to give Tiger Woods the customary handshake he gives to the winner of his Arnold Palmer Invitational. As Woods walked off the green he was notified that Palmer was under the weather and not feeling well enough to attend the finish.

About 15 minutes before play ended Palmer had his blood pressure checked and physicians advised him that the levels were high enough that he should go to the hospital, which he did.

“Nobody is overly concerned about the prognosis,” said Alastair Johnston, Palmer's business manager. “Although he is going to remain in the hospital overnight for observation.”

Sam Saunders, Palmer’s grandson, tweeted, “For all concerned my granddad is doing fine and will be good to go tomorrow. Thank you for all of your nice comments and concern.”

Said Graeme McDowell, who finished second: “I was surprised not to see him around the 18th green and we'll all be praying for him and that everything will be OK. It really puts a damper on the situation. He is what is special about this tournament.”